Pregnancy Skincare: Nurturing Your Skin During This Special Time

Pregnancy is special journey that brings lots of physical and emotional changes. One of the most visible aspects of these changes is effect on skin. during this period women body have to accommodate new life, hormonal fluctuations and many physiological and psychological shifts, which can impact women’s skin in several ways.

Therefore, it’s necessary to maintain a pregnancy skincare routine for the comfort and own well-being. From this article you will learn various things about pregnancy skincare, which helps to nurture your skin during this special and transformative journey.

The Impact of pregnancy on skin

Pregnancy triggers hormonal changes, with estrogen and progesterone playing important role. Several skin conditions happen due to these hormonal changes. Let’s know about these changes first, so that we can understand the importance of pregnancy skincare routine.

• Hyperpigmentation
  • This is the most common skin concern occur during pregnancy. It is also known as melasma or mask of pregnancy.
  • Dark, blotchy patches occur particularly on cheeks, foreheads and upper lips.
  • It is because hormonal fluctuation stimulates the melanin production.
  • Hormonal changes stimulate the melanocytes production, they produce more melanin, leading to darker skin in certain area.
•  ACNE
  • Especially in first trimester, many women experience increase in acne.
  • The surge in sex hormones can cause more production of oil, leading to clogged pores and acne.
  • It’s necessary to use gentle, non-comedogenic and pregnancy safe products to treat or manage this type of acne.
•  Stretch Marks-
  • Stretch marks cause due to stretching of skin beyond its elasticity to accommodate a developing baby.
  • Stretch marks commonly found on stomach, breast, butt and thighs.
  • Stretch marks severity can be depend on genetics and body type.
  • Skin hydration can minimize these stretch marks.
• Itching and Dryness-
  • During pregnancy, skin particularly on the belly become drier and itchier due to its stretching.
  • This can lead to severe condition, which involve itchy, red bumps on the belly.
• Varicose veins and spider veins
  • These occurs due to increased blood pressure and volume on the veins.
  • These occurs specially on legs.
  • These are harmless but can make someone uncomfortable.

Safe Pregnancy skincare Ingredients

During pregnancy we have to be alert about each and every skincare ingredient, because it can be effective but may not be safe during pregnancy.

Here is a list of safe and unsafe ingredients.

Safe ingredients –

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, that can help brighten the skin and fades dark spot and pigmentation without any side effect.
• Hyaluronic acid- it’s a powerful hydrating agent, which is very safe and moisturize the skin without causing any harm.
• Niacinamide- This is the safe skin soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredient which reduces redness, acne and oil production.
• Glycolic acid- at lower, preferably 5 % Glycolic acid can be used for gentle exfoliation. It can remove dead cells and promote clear skin.
• Shea butter and Cocoa Butter- These are excellent natural moisturizing ingredients which can hydrate your skin and reduces redness and itching without causing any harm.

Unsafe ingredients-

• Retinoids- Retinoids are effective for treating wrinkles and aging, but it cannot used during pregnancy due to risk to the fetus.
• Salicylic acid- high concentration of salicylic acid face wash/ serum/ exfoliants is not safe during pregnancy.
• Alpha Arbutin-Hydroquinone-This is a skin-lightening agent. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to its high absorption rate, which can risk to fetus.
• Chemical Sunscreen- do not use chemical sunscreens as they contain so many harmful chemicals. Use mineral or physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine-

• Cleansing- Use a gentle, fragrance free, sulfate free cleanser. Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt, makeup and skin oil.
  1.  You can Use Cetaphil gentle cleanser or CeraVe hydrating cleanser.
•  Toning- use alcohol free and mild toner to maintain skin’s pH.
  1. You can use The Moms Co. face toner
• Serum- If you are going through specific skin concern use pregnancy safe active ingredients like vitamin C for dark spot and pigmentation, Niacinamide for oil control and hyaluronic acid for hydration.

You can use CosIQ 23 % Vitamin C serum.

• Hydration- Hydration is important during pregnancy as skin becomes drier and itchier. Look for the moisturizers which contain pregnancy safe ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides.
  1. You can use Aveeno daily moisturizer.
• Sun protection – Sunscreen application is necessary to avoid hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Use Mineral or physical sunscreens which contain safe ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Use broad spectrum Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more than that.
  1. You can use Earth Rhythm sunscreen
• Stretch Marks – it may not be possible to prevent stretch marks, but it can be reduced by keeping skin moisturized using natural oils like coconut oil almond oil or creams formulated for stretch marks.
  • You can use The Moms Co cream for stretch marks.

Lifestyle Tips for Pregnancy Skincare-

• Drink plenty of water to keep your body within. Proper hydration is crucial in pregnancy to maintain skin elasticity.
• Take a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, sprouts and meat which contain vitamins, minerals, iron and calcium.
• Aim for 7-8 hours deep sleep as it is essential for skin repair and overall well-being.  
• Pregnancy can be stressful time. Try to manage your stress by doing yoga, breathing exercise or workouts.
• Do moderate exercise to improve blood circulation which is also beneficial for skin health. Consult your doctor before performing any exercise.
• Avoid harsh products with strong fragrances or scrubs which can irritate your skin as skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy.